Mission Amrit Sarovar

Context

The Indian Railways will undertake desilting, excavation, and construction of new water bodies near railway lines as part of Mission Amrit Sarovar to enhance water conservation and groundwater recharge. This initiative aligns with the Government of India’s broader goal to promote water sustainability and environmental conservation through the development and rejuvenation of water bodies across the country.

About Amrit Sarovar Mission

The Amrit Sarovar Mission was launched on 24th April 2022 by the Government of India to address the pressing need for water conservation and groundwater management. The mission focuses on constructing and rejuvenating water bodies to create a sustainable water resource infrastructure, thereby contributing to environmental balance and rural development.

Key Features of Amrit Sarovar Mission

✅ Launch Date: 24th April 2022
✅ Target:

• Develop and rejuvenate 75 water bodies in each district of the country.
• Construct or rejuvenate a total of 50,000 Amrit Sarovars across India.

✅ Progress:

• As of October 2024, over 68,000 ponds have already been completed across the country, exceeding the original target.

✅ Size of Each Water Body:

• Each water body will have an approximate area of one acre (about 4,047 square meters).
• It will have a water holding capacity of around 10,000 cubic meters.

✅ Convergence of Schemes:
The mission is being implemented through the convergence of various government schemes, including:

• MGNREGA (Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act) – Providing employment opportunities through pond construction and rejuvenation.
• Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY) – Ensuring better irrigation facilities and improving water use efficiency.
• AMRUT Mission (Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation) – Enhancing urban water infrastructure.
• Jal Shakti Abhiyan – Focusing on rainwater harvesting, groundwater recharge, and efficient water management.

Objectives of Mission Amrit Sarovar

The Amrit Sarovar Mission aims to fulfill multiple strategic objectives to ensure sustainable water management and community engagement:

1. Water Conservation and Rainwater Harvesting

• Creating and rejuvenating water bodies will help in conserving rainwater and improving overall water availability.
• Promoting efficient use of water resources to reduce dependency on groundwater and surface water.

2. Increase Groundwater Recharge

• Enhancing the percolation of rainwater into the ground will help recharge groundwater tables, addressing the problem of groundwater depletion.
• Restoring the natural water cycle to improve long-term water availability in rural and urban areas.

3. Sustainable Development and Rural Employment

• The mission supports sustainable rural development by providing:
  • Employment opportunities under MGNREGA.
  • Infrastructure development to support agriculture and allied activities.
  • Livelihood enhancement through fisheries, irrigation, and eco-tourism.

4. Promote Community Participation

• Encouraging local communities to participate in the planning, execution, and maintenance of Amrit Sarovars.
• Fostering a sense of ownership and responsibility among villagers for the conservation of water bodies.
• Organizing awareness campaigns to promote the importance of water conservation and responsible water use.

Significance of Mission Amrit Sarovar

🔹 Environmental Impact:

• Improved groundwater levels will ensure better water availability for agriculture and drinking purposes.
• Reduction in soil erosion and improved soil fertility due to better water retention.

🔹 Economic Impact:

• Improved irrigation facilities will enhance agricultural productivity, boosting rural income.
• Promoting fisheries and eco-tourism will create new income sources for local communities.

🔹 Social Impact:

• Strengthening water security will reduce conflicts over water resources.
• Better access to water will improve hygiene and sanitation, contributing to better public health.

Challenges and Way Forward

Challenges:

• Ensuring long-term maintenance and sustainability of water bodies.
• Addressing pollution and encroachment issues in water bodies.
• Encouraging active community participation and awareness.

Way Forward:

✅ Strengthen monitoring and evaluation mechanisms to track progress and effectiveness.
✅ Integrate advanced technology (such as GIS mapping) for better water body management.
✅ Increase collaboration between government agencies, NGOs, and local communities to ensure long-term success.
✅ Encourage eco-friendly practices and biodiversity conservation around Amrit Sarovars.

Conclusion

Mission Amrit Sarovar is a landmark initiative to restore India’s water heritage and address the growing challenges of water scarcity and groundwater depletion. By promoting sustainable water management practices, increasing rural employment, and fostering community involvement, the mission holds the potential to transform India’s water security landscape. The successful implementation of this mission will not only improve environmental sustainability but also contribute significantly to rural development and socio-economic stability.

Sharing is caring!